I have heard of several newsagents who have decided to not run Halloween this year because of the strong engagement in the season by a nearby supermarket – usually a Coles or Woolworths – last year.
Rather than seeking out Halloween product not sold in the supermarkets, the newsagents I have heard from and or about appear to have given up. We have to fight for business, every day. Yes, it’s hard work. But we must. We can’t let the supermarkets win because of fear!
I have seen the Halloween offers at Coles and Woolworths. They are focused on candy – with some terrific displays – and a limited range of cheap Halloween items like witches hats and some make up items. Neither has what I’d consider to be a full Halloween line. Indeed, I see plenty of opportunities not competing with them.
With several supermarkets near my newsagencies this is what we are doing – focusing on products they don’t have. We’re happy with the results so far – good early sales.
The glitter pumpkins in the photo are the hero of Halloween so far. They attract attention. They work at home or in the office. They take Halloween to a new level – they also make it more accessible. Once we realised this we ordered heaps more. Selling out early in the season is a great reason to get more stock and see how far we can go.
I understand how frustrating it is when a major competes in a season you used to have to yourself. It’s not a reason to give up though. We are retailers, small business retailers, newsagents – just about the toughest type of retailers out there given what we have put up with.
The Woolies in our centre went into Halloween pretty big last year but have shown no sign of it yet where as we have had ours on display for 2 weeks now. Maybe they got scared of me…….lol!
Maybe Allan,
The Woolies in our centre has had nil Halloween yet either and we too have been selling for 2 weeks.
thEir DiSPlAy iS HOwEVeR GoInG UP rIgHt now!
It makes for better awareness having more retailers involved. We expect to do ok. Don’t forget it is on wednesday this year though, so make sure you sell thru early before the customers think a lot about it!